What Granit Xhaka has done for Bayer Leverkusen amid Kai Havertz's Arsenal transfer struggles

Arsenal news: Granit Xhaka continues to impress at Bayer Leverkusen with a five-star performance against former side Borussia Monchengladbach

Arsenal's new-look midfield of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard has already begun to reap the rewards this season.

The interchangeable trio were pivotal in the Gunners' 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last week, with Kai Havertz's off-the-ball movement complimenting Mikel Arteta's forward three.

Whilst Arsenal adjusted their style of play under Arteta, former Gunners star Granit Xhaka is settling into life rather well at Bayer Leverkusen. Having helped Xabi Alonso's side defeat RB Leipzig on the opening day, Xhaka played an instrumental role in the 3-0 away win over Borussia Monchengladbach.

Xhaka partnered Exequiel Palacios in a midfield pivot, protecting the back three. And whilst fellow new signing Victor Okoh Boniface will receive the plaudits for his brace at Borussia-Park, Xhaka was superb in only his second game after completing his €25million (£21.4million) move.

According to The Athletic's Seb Stafford-Bloor, the Swiss international was 'wonderful' for Alonso's side. He wrote on Twitter: "Granit Xhaka has had a wonderful half back in Gladbach for Leverkusen. Played beautifully, covered very well in defence, and found two piercing diagonals to create both goals."

Xhaka's performances in Germany will only add further question marks as to why Arsenal allowed him to leave this summer. The 30-year-old was a key member of Arteta's squad last season, scoring nine and assisting seven across 47 games.

Rice's club-record arrival from West Ham, long-term, will certainly prove to be the right decision. But this season, the transfer could come back to haunt them.